In Anatomy, the urethra (spelled urèthre sometimes) is the output channel of the Vessie. It has a function excrétrice in the two sexes (left the Urine) and moreover at the man a reproductive function (passage of sperm). Urétral (or urethral ) is the adjective corresponding (to note the change of accent on the E ).

Anatomy, the urethra is the output channel of the urine and the Sperme at the man and of the urine at the woman; -->

The Sphincter of the urethra is the Muscle which allows voluntary control on the Miction.

Not to confuse: urethra and uretère

One should not confuse the urethra and the Uretère, which is the conduit which leaves the kidneys and transports the urine towards the bladder.

Anatomy

female Urethra: At the woman, the urethra is very short (approximately 3 cm), for a diameter of 6mm approximately, and leads to the Vulve between the Clitoris and the opening of the Vagin. Its distal end is called urethral ostium. On both sides minor vestibular glands or glands of Skene are brought together. It is divided into two parts:

  • the pelvic urethra, engainé by the sphincter of the bladder to its high part and by the urethral sphincter at its lower part.
  • the urethra périnéal, which crosses the average aponévrse of périnée. This portion prone to the traumatisms of is périnée.

male Urethra: At the man, the urethra measures approximately 20 cm and emerges at the end of the Pénis. It is longer than at the woman, and it is composed of several parts having each one a function. Because of this difference in size, the women are more likely with the low urinary infections (cystitides). The length of the male urethra and the fact that it presents several elbows return the more difficult survey and retrograde gestures.

The male urethra is divided into three parts, indicated according to their localization:

  • the prostatic urethra : located between the vesical collar in top and the top of the prostate in bottom, direction coarsely vertical.
Its posterior wall, complexes, presents a median projection, the seminal colliculus or veru montanum. At the top of this colliculus the opening of the prostatic utricule is, residue of the channel of Müller. It is a bottom of bag. On both sides of the utricule, one describes the openings of the ejaculatory channels, which transport secretions testiculaires towards the urethra. The collicule is surmounted by the brakes of the colliculus, between which is the prostatic sine. Lastly, on both sides of the colliculus exist two gutters, at the bottom of which are the prostatic openings of glands. On the level of the prostatic urethra the mixture of various secretions (testiculaires, prostate sufferers) giving is carried out sperm.
  • the urethra membranous : very short (1 with 2cm), crosses the urogenital diaphragm. It is fixed in périnée, within a solid and rigid plan.
This portion is often interested by the urethral traumatisms.
  • the urethra spongy : he even divided into two portions: the urethra périnéal, presenting a way obliques in top and ahead, receiving secretions of the urethral glands bulbo (Glandes of Cowper), and the urethra pénien, measuring 15-16cm length for 5mm of diameter approximately, located on the ventral face of the penis. With his final part, one describes a small dilation called small cavity naviculaire, containing itself a mucous fold, the valvule.
The spongy urethra walks on within the spongy body, from where it draws its name.

Histology

Epithelium off the will urethra starts off ace transitional concealments ace it exits the bladder. Further along the will urethra there are stratified columnar concealments, then stratified squamous concealments near the external meatus (exit hole).

There are small Mucus - secreting urethral nipples, that help protect the epithelium from the corrosive urine. -->

The urethral epithelium is classified in the epitheliums of transition. There exists a thickening with the surface layers of this epithelium, at the level of the cytoplasmic membrane of the last layer of cells thus making it possible to fight against the phenomena of osmolarity because the urine can be hyperosmolaire.

Medical problems of the urethra

  • Hypospadias has form off abnormal development off the will urethra in the male, where the opening is not quite where it should Be (it occurs lower than normal in hypospadias). With Chordee is when the will urethra develops between the penis and the Scrotum.

    • Infection off the will urethra is Urethritis, said to Be more common in females than male. Urethritis has common causes Dysuria off (bread when urinating).

    • Related to urethritis is so called Urethral syndrome
    • Passage off Kidney stone S through the will urethra edge Be painful and subsequently it edge lead to Urethral stricture S -->

    Urethritis

    The endoscopy of the bladder via the urethra is called Cystoscopie.

    See too

    Simple: Urethra

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